FANS all said the same thing as Ireland’s second test clash against the Springboks started in bruising fashion.
Within the first ten minutes of the physical encounter at Kings Park in Durban three South African players were forced to leave the field due to injuries.
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Ireland struggled with many of the one on one encounters in the opening clash but showed their physical prowess right form the start of the final match in the series.
Last week Craig Casey was stretchered from the pitch after a concussion, while Dan Sheehan suffered a serious ACL injury.
Ireland were also without Bundee Aki for today’s clash in Durban.
South Africa were unchanged but were forced into early substitutions after a frantic opening few minutes.
The Boks were forced to use their 6/2 bench early on as Wille le Roux and Franco Mostert both suffered injuries.
Mostert suffered a head cut on his head and subsequently failed a HIA, Willie Le Roux also suffered a suspected concussion after a tackle on James Lowe.
It got worse for the host when Eben Etzebeth was forced off with a nasty head injury that left his shirt covered in blood – but he returned after having it patched up.
Ireland’s Andrew Porter also cracked his head open in the latter stages of the first-half as the bloody battle continued.
Taking to X, fans spoke of the physical nature of the clash as they spoke of the two blood bins.
One said: “Eight minutes in and now it’s Etzebeth with blood on his face.”
Another posted: “SA getting smashed. Villie done for, Mostert and Etzebeth big time claret.”
A third penned: “Now Eben Etzebeth is off the field bleeding profusely too.”
While one supporter posted: “Both Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth’s modelling careers in jeopardy after those cuts.”
The Springboks won last week’s opening test 27-20.
